The 2026 edition of the Knight Frank Wealth Report says private jets are essential for today’s remote business managers.
While more companies have mandated back-to-the-office policies, private jets have become an essential tool for the wealthy who manage multiple business interests, often on different continents.
The 20th edition of the Knight Frank Wealth Report was released today.
It says in part, “Today’s ultra‑wealthy are buttressed by sophisticated family offices spanning multiple time zones, always‑on communications, and a normalization of remote management that allows an entrepreneur to oversee business from a yacht in the Mediterranean or a beach in the Bahamas.”
The 2026 edition continues, “Travel has kept pace: private jets and superyachts now offer communications infrastructure and operational capability to rival a six‑star hotel.”
The population of Ultra High Net Worth Individuals is growing rapidly.
UHNWIs have a net worth of at least $30 million.
The global population of UHNWIs rose from 551,435 in 2021 to 713,626 currently.
Knight Frank notes that this means an average of 89 people cross the line from HNW to UHNW every day.
Private aviation has become a key support for UHNWIs.
“Wealthy individuals are owning homes and running businesses across multiple cities – and moving between them more frequently,” Knight Frank says.
Sourcing VistaJet, Knight Frank cites “rising activity across a range of routes linking financial centers and lifestyle destinations.”
Knight Frank said the data showed “while the leading routes remain familiar, the fastest‑growing corridors tell a different story.”
Travel between New York, London, and Miami remains high.
However, there is hyper growth on new routes.
Abu Dhabi to London increased by +238% in 2025.
Milan to Paris was up 66%.
The jump “reflects the pull of fashion, luxury, and dealmaking.”
Routes linking Alpine resorts, Mediterranean second‑home markets, and secondary U.S. cities saw big growth.
Private flights from New York to Nantucket soared by 192%.
London to European mountain resorts increased 50% year-over-year.
Knight Frank said the data “underscores the shift towards multi‑location living.”
The increases represent “financiers and entrepreneurs splitting their time between primary and secondary residences.”
Finally, private flyers are getting younger
Nearly half (47%) of first‑time private jet flyers are now under 45.
Knight Frank said this next generation of mobile UHNWs is “underpinning demand for prime property in multiple markets.”
There are now over 10,000 family offices supporting UHNW families, according to the Wealth Report.
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